BPBD Records That 10 Districts In Bekasi Are Still Inundated By Flood, 20-100 Meters Of Water Height

Floods soaking residents' settlements in Babakan Banten Village, Sumberurip Village (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Bekasi Regency, West Java (West Java) noted that 10 sub-districts in the area were still flooded.

The water level varies between 20-100 meters. Some areas have started to recede.

"As of today, 84 flood points have been recorded in 30 villages in 10 districts with a maximum water level of one meter in Muaragembong District", said Head of BPBD Bekasi District Henri Lincoln, Cikarang, as reported by Antara, Wednesday, February 24.

The water level in Muaragembong District ranges from 40-100 centimeters. Pebayuran District is 30-80 centimeters high, Cabangbungin 20-80 centimeters high, Sukawangi 40-60 centimeters high, and Sukatani sub-districts with a height of 50-80 centimeters.

Then in Sukakarya District with a water level of 50 centimeters, Karangbahagia 30-40 centimeters, East Cikarang 20-40 centimeters, Kedungwaringin 20-40 centimeters, and Tambun Utara District as high as 20-30 centimeters.

"Officers are still handling the flood locations today", he said.

Of the 10 sub-districts, he said, as many as 13,872 families were victims of the flood. Most of the residents, especially in areas that have started to recede, have returned to their homes to clean up the remains of the flood.

The Bekasi Regency Government continues to map the impact of floodings, such as data collection on damaged houses, rice fields, and public facilities and infrastructure damaged by the flood.

"Based on the information, to repair the embankment that was broken down in the Citarum River, the local government will coordinate with the provincial and central government for repairs according to their authority," he said.

Henri said that overall floods in Bekasi Regency this year hit 19 sub-districts or seven sub-districts more than the previous year's floods.

Besides high rainfall and the effects of development, this year's floods were caused by the breakdown of several water-retaining embankments in the Citarum River watershed.

The local government has evacuated residents whose houses were flooded as well as alerting evacuation posts at 55 points, 12 public kitchens, and six health posts", said Henri Lincoln.